Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own terrarium and understand how to care for it.

Materials and Prep

• Glass container with a lid
• Potting soil
• Small rocks or pebbles
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Small plants suitable for terrariums
• Spray bottle for watering
• Fun decorations like mini figurines (optional)
• Table cover or newspaper to protect the workspace
• Parental supervision may be needed for some steps

Activities

1. Choosing a Container: Select a glass container for your terrarium, making sure it has a lid.
2. Layering: Add a layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom for drainage.
3. Soil and Plants: Add a layer of potting soil and plant your small plants in the soil.
4. Decorate: Add any fun decorations like mini figurines to personalize your terrarium.
5. Watering: Use a spray bottle to lightly water your terrarium, being careful not to overwater.
6. Care Tips: Place your terrarium in a spot with indirect sunlight and mist it occasionally to keep it healthy.

Talking Points

• What is a terrarium?
  "A terrarium is like a mini garden inside a glass container."
• Why do we use rocks at the bottom?
  "Rocks help with drainage so the plants don't get too much water."
• How do we water a terrarium?
  "We use a spray bottle to give the plants a light misting."
• Why is sunlight important for plants?
  "Plants need sunlight to make food and grow strong."
• What should we do if our terrarium looks dry?
  "We can mist it with water to give the plants a drink."